graphic from: http://www.stella-science.eu/submit_initiative.phpInitiatives to Address Needs Addressing the technology needs of a school or district should begin with a pre-assessment. By first determining what the needs are you can then proceed to evaluate those needs, determine a plan, and then look at the pros and cons of the plan and its affect on student achievement. By doing some research you can discover what has already been done and what the results were. You may be able to identify and thus avoid, pitfalls that had befallen others who have implemented a similar plan. Another important factor to consider is the funding that will be needed to implement the initiative. By researching what is available and thinking about what the needs of your staff and students are, you can make informed decisions about the hardware and software that is needed. Ultimately our goal for technology needs to be the same as with any other area of the curriculum; improving student achievement. This technologyinitiative will help improve student achievement across the board. Many districts across the nation are jumping in with both feet and funding a 1:1 student/laptop initiative. One such school in Texas was discussed in the article written in the Journal. The article stated that "Inadequate professional development is one reason some 1:1 initiatives have, over time, failed to live up to high expectations" to address this, the Grand Prairie, Texas school district "wasn't taking any chances with its 1:1 laptop initiative. Having read the statistics and heard the feedback from districts whose own 1:1 investments had yet to live up to expectations, this Grand Prairie, TX-based district incorporated an additional element into its project by also implementing a digital learning platform designed to help teachers maximize laptop use in the classroom." (see Making the Most of a 1:1 Laptop Initiative) Below are the "pros" and "cons" of laptops in the classroom as supported by research:
The "Pros" and "Cons" of Laptops in the Classroom:
PROS
CONS
Easily moved around the classroom.
Can be very expensive for initial purchase of equipment and training as well as maintainence and upgrades.
If there is a 1:1 ration of students to laptops, teachers are able to conduct whole class lessons with all students being able to practice during the lesson. Making the Most of a 1:1 Laptop Initiative
Can sometimes be a distraction for other students.
Increased student involvement and interaction.
Requires increased monitoring by teachers to ensure that students are using them appropriately.
Provides students with a variety of tools and resources for learning.
Can be under utilized or misused in classrooms where teachers do not buy into their usefullness as a teaching tool.
Allows for differentiation of academic support depending on a student's needs.
Some teachers may take a "one size fits all" approach and neglect to use them a means of differentiating their instruction.
In this age of technology, students understand and respond to electronic delivery of instruction. It helps to excite them about learning.
Provides computer and internet access for students who may not have these technologies at home. Education World
Provides students an opportunity for critical thinking, problem solving and developing research skills. Allows for a feeling of empowerment for students as they become more responsible for their learning. Does Laptop Use Improve Student Learning?,
graphic from: http://www.stella-science.eu/submit_initiative.phpInitiatives to Address Needs
Addressing the technology needs of a school or district should begin with a pre-assessment. By first determining what the needs are you can then proceed to evaluate those needs, determine a plan, and then look at the pros and cons of the plan and its affect on student achievement. By doing some research you can discover what has already been done and what the results were. You may be able to identify and thus avoid, pitfalls that had befallen others who have implemented a similar plan. Another important factor to consider is the funding that will be needed to implement the initiative. By researching what is available and thinking about what the needs of your staff and students are, you can make informed decisions about the hardware and software that is needed. Ultimately our goal for technology needs to be the same as with any other area of the curriculum; improving student achievement. This technologyinitiative will help improve student achievement across the board. Many districts across the nation are jumping in with both feet and funding a 1:1 student/laptop initiative. One such school in Texas was discussed in the article written in the Journal. The article stated that "Inadequate professional development is one reason some 1:1 initiatives have, over time, failed to live up to high expectations" to address this, the Grand Prairie, Texas school district "wasn't taking any chances with its 1:1 laptop initiative. Having read the statistics and heard the feedback from districts whose own 1:1 investments had yet to live up to expectations, this Grand Prairie, TX-based district incorporated an additional element into its project by also implementing a digital learning platform designed to help teachers maximize laptop use in the classroom." (see Making the Most of a 1:1 Laptop Initiative) Below are the "pros" and "cons" of laptops in the classroom as supported by research:
The "Pros" and "Cons" of Laptops in the Classroom:
whole class lessons with all students being able to practice during the lesson.
Making the Most of a 1:1 Laptop Initiative
"Laptop Computers in the K-12 Classroom",
Education World
Allows for a feeling of empowerment for students as they become more responsible for their learning.
Does Laptop Use Improve Student Learning?,
Links:
Addressing Standards
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